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Lot 7W

Large Fossil Palm

7 December 2016, 10:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$37,500 inc. premium

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Large Fossil Palm

Eocene
Green River Formation
Fossil Butte member
Lincoln county, Wyoming
F2 horizon

In a subtropical environment 50 million years ago, a lush palm fauna graced the shoreline of ancient Fossil Lake. Crocodiles, turtles, fish and ancient early mammals populated the shores and waters of this freshwater paradise. Early birds soared above the water. Trapped in what is now limestone 7200 feet above sea level, this beautiful palm graces the amazing artistic stone canvas of an ancient lake floor. The Green River Formation of southwest Wyoming is internationally recognized for the exceptionally well preserved fossil fish it produces but less known for its paleobotanical fossils because of their rarity. Most rare among these fossilized remains are the complete palm fronds. This is one of the largest fossil palm fronds to be recovered from the shoreline sediments known as the F2 horizon. Also captured in the limestone is an ancient Phareodus encaustus with numerous Knightia eocaena, the state fossil of Wyoming. The entire mural measures 108 x 60 inches and is one of the largest ever offered at auction. The frond measures 8 feet 2 inches from tip of the petiole to the tip of the blade.

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